Mountain Bothies Association trustee Juls Stodel helps one reader and her four-legged puppy friend with their uphill struggle in TGO’s advice column, supported by Highlander Outdoor. Every month, one reader who writes to Juls with an Uphill Struggle will win an £100 voucher to spend with Highlander.
Dear Juls,
I am completely smitten with my new puppy Kevin and I want to bring him everywhere with me. I am hesitant, however, about taking him hiking and camping because I’m not sure on good dog etiquette or what he should be trained in. Do you have any advice?“Useless Lucy”, September 2025
Dear Lucy,
Man and Man’s Best Friend have been bimbling around together ever since cavemen realised that wolves were cute and kept the sabre-tooths away. We have evolved alongside each other for millennia, but both are far from completed specimens and you’re right to think some groundwork is needed for you and Kevin to adventure successfully.
The Countryside and Scottish Access Codes both ask that owners are in control of their dog at all times. Training Kevin on a harness, to be calm around animals and people, and with recall is a very important start. 87% of UK farmers experience at least one dog attack to their flocks annually contributing to a combined financial loss of 2.4 million pounds a year. Over 30,000 attacks to people were recorded in 2023. These numbers are on the rise and the vast majority of incidents could have been avoided if the dogs had been on lead. Don’t let Kevin be a statistic.
From now on, your hikes are planned with Kevin as a priority. He might not be able to consistently walk as far as you, and everything you need, he needs too. Kevin needs his own food and water, first aid, and possibly layers, towels or even booties depending on terrain. Plenty of poo bags too, and a bag for the poo bags.
If you camp with your dog, he will need his own sleeping system. It’s been a very long time since Kevins were wolves… They’ve got a bit soft, and he’s going to need you looking after him. This doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming.
There are two YouTube channels you can watch for inspiration – Elli and her dog Otto (@ellihikes) did a whole LeJOG together while John and his Border Collie Moss (@houndsofhowgate) walk the Great Scottish Trails.
Mountain Rescue teams experience up to 17 call outs each year for injured dogs. Who could forget images of Daisy the St Bernard being carried down Scafell Pike on a stretcher? Of the 5,000 reported missing dogs each year, most disappeared on a walk. For Kevin’s safety, have him microchipped and wearing an ID tag. Brush up on your doggy first aid; most animal charity sites have helpful advice.
Lastly, be prepared for the small possibility that Kevin doesn’t want to be an adventure dog. He might just lack the inclination or suffer from overstimulation or anxiety. You might have to moderate the adventures you do together and keep the hardcore trips for you alone. Whatever form your adventures take, you and Kevin are bound to make many wonderful memories together.
Humans and dogs have been companions for millennia, and while it’s been a very long time since we were caveman and dogs were wolves, there’s a lot to be said for not having to hunt for snacks anymore. It leaves far more time these days for cuddles.
Every month, one reader who writes to Juls with an Uphill Struggle will win an £100 voucher to spend with Highlander Outdoor.
